Due to recent avalanche activity on the Forest outdoor users should use caution while out in avalanche terrain. Users should obtain information on conditions before venturing out into the backcountry. Information can be obtained by reaching the Chugach Avalanche Center at (907) 754-2369 or online at www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/glacier/snow.html. This is a great site to obtain information on local conditions and has links to education topics and avalanche classes. If you have specific questions about conditions or avalanche hazards on the Seward Ranger District feel free to contact me at (907) 288-7710.
Alex McLain
Seward Ranger District
Forestry Technician (Developed Recreation)
(907) 288-7710
amclain@fs.fed.us
Here’s notification that a special meeting has been called by the city manager and set for Thursday, March 6 at 6pm, to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation as stated below. Citizen comment periods are open for all special meetings. –Jean
Seward City Council Special Meeting Agenda
Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
1. Call to order
2. Pledge of allegiance
3. Roll call
4. Citizens’ comments on any subject except those items scheduled for public hearing.
5. Approval of agenda
6. New Business
A. Executive Session
1. Go Into Executive Session To Discuss Matters Pertaining To Pending Litigation In The Case Of; Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance Vs. City.
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To the Residents of Questa Woods- on Sunday Feb 24- Person or persons were shooting guns at around 4 PM. I am sure they were out target practicing or hunting rabbits- however, they were not paying attention to where they were shooting and the bullet entered my house on the east side traveled across the living room and lodged in the west wall. This bullet missed me by a foot!!!!!!!!!!! And if it had hit me, it would have struck somewhere between my neck and head.
I am not against people having guns however they DO HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY to use them carefully. They should NEVER EVER pull the trigger on that gun unless they are ABSOLUTELY certain where that bullet is going to go. Besides Questa woods is a RESIDENTIAL area with lots of houses, kids and pets running around.
I am sure I will never know who this person was but I hope everyone in that area talks amongst themselves and gets the message out that whomever this was- needs to take responsibility and be more careful next time. All the residents out there need to keep in mind- if the message doesn’t get around and these people aren’t told to be more careful next time it could be your house that gets holes blasted in both your walls. It would be really nice for the person responsible to step up- take responsibility, apologize and offer to pay for the damage to the walls. I seriously doubt if this will happen but I really do hope they get the message that instead of just doing damage to the walls- they could have killed someone by being irresponsible and a fun day of being out shooting their guns could easily have turned deadly.
Providence Seward Medical and Care Center Conducts Survey to Assess Community Health Needs
Seward, AK – Applied Survey Research, on behalf of Providence Seward Medical and Care Center, will be conducting a community health assessment for 2008. The purpose of the assessment is to produce a comprehensive health report to inform the community and to help PSMCC develop an action plan to address the most critical health issues facing the Seward area. PSMCC will use face-to-face interviews to collect community input. The face-to-face interviews will take place on “Survey Saturday” March 8, 2008 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Volunteers will conduct the survey at local community gathering places – the post office, grocery store, etc. The brief survey will ask community members about their health concerns, experiences, and access to health care. If asked to participate in the health assessment survey, community members are encouraged to take a few minutes to share their views. Results of the survey are critical to assist in addressing the health needs of the Seward area.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the survey. Training will be held at PSMCC in the Phoenix Room on Saturday, March 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., and then administer the survey in teams of two from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If interested in volunteering, contact Rebekah Riley at 224-2836.
For more information on Applied Survey Research: www.appliedsurveyresearch.org For more information on PSMCC: www.providence.org/alaska/Seward
Saturday March 8th
silent auction starts at 6pm
live auction starts at 7pm
Location: Alaska SeaLife Center
Entrance fee: $10 individuals, $15 familiies
BRING YOUR KIDS! Activities will be provided
Appetizers and dessert will be served
Don’t miss your chance at great items such as a 7-day Holland America
Caribbean cruise for two, fishing chapters, artwork, jewelry, a pontoon
boat, gift certifications, and many other great items.
GREAT PLAYGROUNDS BUILD GREAT KIDS!
Seward Senior Center
336 3rd Ave
224-5604
Lunch Everyday At Noon
Monday 3/3
AARP Tax Aide 8-10 & 2-4 By appt only.
Grief Counseling @ 1pm – 3rd Floor
Wii Bowling League 1-3pm Sign-Up to Play in the new Underground Theatre!
Tuesday 3/4
Silk Painting Demonstration with Kerry Cline @ 1pm
Wednesday 3/5
AARP Tax Aide 8-10 & 2-4 By appt only.
National Caregiver Meeting at noon.
Beginning Bowling League 1-3pm Sign-Up to Learn in the new Underground Theatre!
Thursday 3/6
Foot Care 9-1 Please call to confirm Foot Care.
AARP Workshop with Ann Secrest @ 1pm
Friday 3/7
Bingo @ 12:45
Women’s History Month Tea with honorary guest, Ann Secrest @ 2pm
Seward City Council Meeting Action Agenda
Monday, February 25, 2008
The following ordinance was introduced and set for public hearing on March 10, 2008:
Ordinance 2008-002, Rescinding Ordinance 2008-001 And Ordinance 2007-010, To Eliminate The Proposed Increase In The Sales Tax Cap From $500 To $1,000, And Retaining A Sales Tax Cap Of $500.
The following resolutions were unanimously approved:
Resolution 2008-013, Purchasing Two Fence Pickets For The PARKS Seward Community Playground Project On Behalf Of Seward’s Sister Cities Of Obihiro, Japan, And Kushiro, Japan.
Resolution 2008-014, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Transformer Use Agreement With Chugach Electric Association Inc. For Use Of A Power Transformer.
Resolution 2008-015, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Understanding With The State Of Alaska For Planning, Financing, Design, And Construction Of The Spring Creek Correctional Center Expansion Project, And Appropriating $100,000 To Be Reimbursed From Future Bond Proceeds.
The Regular City Council Meeting Minutes for January 28, 2008 and February 11, 2008 were approved.
Council approved to send a letter inviting Senator Gary Stevens, Representative Seaton, Mayor Williams, Senator Ted Stevens, Senator Murkowski, Representative Young, Governor Palin and Lt. Governor Parnell to the PARKS Playground opening. (Bardarson/Amberg)
Steven Heinrich was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission, with a term to expire 2011.
After discussion, council instructed the city manager to schedule an executive session to examine options in regards to the recent court order for summary judgment in Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance vs City litigation.
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The Seward International Friendship Committee is seeking two adults within the community who would like to participate in the fifth adult citizen exchange between Obihiro, Japan and Seward. Yasuhiko Ohsono, one of the founding fathers of the Obihiro/Seward student exchange program that has been going on for 35 years, has graciously donated money to the Obihiro Friendship Committee (OCIF) and our local International Friendship Association (SIFA), for the purpose of having adult exchanges. This year, Seward will send two adults to Japan, and next year two adults from Japan will visit Seward. The dates are not set yet, but coincide with the student exchange in the month of August.
Also, the City of Seward and SIFA are seeking four high school students who would like to participate in the student exchange between Seward and our Sister City of Obihiro, Japan. Up to four Japanese students will come to Seward in late July/early August, and then up to four Seward students will travel to Obihiro for approximately two weeks in August.
Any interested parties need to fill out an application stating the reasons they would like to participate. Applications for both adults and students are available at Seward High School, Seward Elementary School, and at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall.
Seward Schools need substitute teachers! The last substitute teacher training for this school year will be Monday, March 10, in the Borough Assembly room in Soldotna from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you are interested in sub teaching, please contact Larissa Mika at (907) 714-8888 so you can get on the list. The fee is $25.
In Seward March 31-April 1
This spring, Seward is hosting the Regional Tourism Conference for the Kenai Peninsula. This is our chance to really shine, and your chance to join business owners and employees from across the Peninsula as we explore better ways to compete for visitor business.
Highlights of the conference will focus on packaging travel to make it easier for the consumer. Learn how to maximize business partnerships within Seward and within the Peninsula to help consumers find you!
For more information, contact the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council at 262-5229.
From the Seward Chamber E-News
The Regular Meeting of the Seward/Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board will be held on Monday, March 3, 2007 at the Seaview Plaza Building, in the Kenai Peninsula Borough Annex Office, Suite 122 at 7:00 PM. As always, the public is welcome to attend. Building doors open at 6:30 PM. Agenda’s are available at the SBCFSA Office at 302 Railway, Suite 123 between 9AM and 3PM Monday thru Thursday or on the SBCFSA Website at www.sewardbearcreekfloodservicearea.org
Sports & Recreation News:
Girls Basketball Camp coming this summer! Girls don’t miss out! Save the dates! T’Neisha Turner along with her colleagues Robin Smith and Cotelia Bond-Young will be offering a basketball camp for girls ages 9 to 18 this summer. This one week camp will run July 28 to Aug 1, from 8 am to 5 pm at the High School gym. Seward Parks & Rec will be distributing camp registration forms by March 15th. Call 224-4054 for more information.
Breeze Inn Avalanche Spring Classic
Bring your B, C or D squad down for a weekend of fun and competitive basketball! Sat, Mar 1st and Sun, Mar 2nd. Regular fee: $350 Feb 2 – Feb 15; Deadline: $375 by Feb 22 only if space is available. Tourney format will be contingent upon number of entries please call Maggie at Seward Parks and Recreation for information at 224-4054 or email sports@cityofseward.net.
Urbach’s Youth Basketball League Photo Day: Sat. March 8
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Cyrano’s Theatre Company Presents
In Association with Edgeware Productions
William Shakespeare’s “Othello”
Directed by David Edgecombe
Port City Players is bringing “Othello” to Seward this Friday. Edgeware Productions will perform at the Seward High School Theatre at 7pm - tickets are $10 and $5 for students. A couple of the actors will be giving a workshop, for interested students, in the HS Commons from 12:05-2:15.
This version of “Othello” is set in the north, an area that will become Alaska, on the mainland and islands controlled by the Russians in the late 1840’s. The title role will be played by well-known Athabascan actor Allan Hayton.
This poignant drama explores themes of race prejudice and abuse. These issues are particularly relative to the relations between the Aleuts and the Russians who occupied Alaska for nearly two centuries. “Othello” is now touring to locations throughout Alaska.
This production is funded by a special national grant. For the second time Edgeware, in association with Cyrano’s Theatre Company, is the recipient of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts Shakespeare for a New Generation.
To find out more about the Shakespeare in American Communities initiative, go to www.shakespeareinAmericanCommunities.org.
Our fundraising efforts are not over and our next HUGE event is scheduled for March 8, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the ASLC. We will have a SILENT and LIVE AUCTION and will offer appetizers and desserts. Children’s activities are planned so make this a family event. Ceramic tiles will be available for decorating for a small donation and will be permanently displayed at the playground. Come to the auction to catch a great deal on charter boat trips, Aces tickets, various gift certificates and gift baskets, jewelry, art, etc. It will be a fun and exciting time! Admission fee TBA. Donated auction items are still being accepted. For more information please visit our website at www.sewardplayground.com or call Maya Moriarty at 362-1977 or 224-3071.
P.A.R.K.S., a committee of the Seward PTSA and sponsored by the Seward Elks, would like to thank all of the companies and individuals who have donated money and materials to the project to date: BLACK BEAR LEVEL $10,000-$24,999 - Providence Health System - MOOSE LEVEL $5000-$9999 - City of Seward, Tom and Mary Tougas, Seward Volunteer Ambulance, Francisco G. Benavente, Sons of American Legion - SLED DOG LEVEL $1000-$4999- Seward Elks Lodge #177, Bay Traders True Value, Metco, Inc., Seward Ships Ace Hardware, Kenai Fjords National Park, Shoreside Petroleum, Petro Marine Services, The Kowalski Family, Dr. Jeff Symonds, Julie Tauriainen / Edward Jones, Seward Rotary Club, Linda Moats, Sandefur Family, Earl and Kathy Kloster, Alaska Railroad in memory of Dale R. Lindsay, Resurrection Bay Lions Club, Hankins Family & F/V Chandalar, Y South Health Association, Hotel Seward, Hardwood Creations, CAbi Clothing, Harmon Construction, Kenai Fjords Tours, Dr. Michael P. Moriarty, D.D.S., Jim and Rhonda Hubbard / J&R Fisheries, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 10 - EAGLE LEVEL $500-$999 - Randy and Christina Stauffer, APEX Gym, Elle Zernia / Captain Jack’s, Essential One, David and Valarie Kingsland, First National Bank of Alaska, Sam Young, Top Notch TimberWorks/The Nappi Family, Moose Pass Sportsman’s Club, Dave and Dana Paperman, Hartman and Corbin families, TelAlaska - PTARMIGAN LEVEL $250-$499 - Jerry Olive / Olive Education, Alaska’s Treehouse B&B, Anderson Tug and Barge, Cipriotti - Melvin grandchildren, Robinson family, Alaska Sand and Gravel. Thank you to those of you who have purchased raffle tickets, ceramic tiles, picket fences and anything else at our fundraisers.. We are already over the 50% mark and getting closer with your help. There are tons of people and companies that we should be thanking right now for their support and you know who you are. We should also thank all of our volunteers who are working hard on this project and the PTSA and Seward Elks. LASTLY, we implore you to visit our website to get the latest on this project. Our budget DOES NOT include labor, food or tools. We are counting on donations for this. Envision this as an old fashioned barn raising! Please think about donating a dish to one or several of the shifts. We are planning to feed hundreds of people in the six days so we really need your help. We need to borrow tools and a list is available on our website. Borrowed tools will be inventoried at the Tools Drive and anything broken will be replaced (we have a small budget for this). Lastly, we will have 3 shifts per day, 6 days of building from May 13th – 18th. If you can sign up for a shift or even drop by when you have a free moment, we could sure use you – you do not have to have construction skills. Our Grand Opening is planned as a community wide potluck with luau theme on May 18th at 6 p.m. We already have sponsors for the pigs we’re going to roast! REMEMBER: We will feed you! We will provide childcare! We will replace your broken tools! Please visit us at www.sewardplayground.com or you can call Maya Moriarty at 362-1977 or 224-3071.
Thank you from Qutekcak Native Tribe
Qutekcak Native Tribe would like to thank the many individuals and businesses who donated time, food and auction items to the 27th Annual QNT Scholarship Auction held on February 8th, 2008: Alaska’s Bead’s & Thing’s, Apollo’s, Ariana Stevens, Arne Hatch, Barbara Hatch, Charles Larson, Chugach Alaska Corporation, Chugach Mountain Massage, Chugachmiut, CIRI Corporation, CRRC, Nick & Connie Pavloff, Daisy Blatchford, Darcie Larson, David Kingsland and the Seward Elementary School, David Seaward, Dawn Osenga, Dawnelle Sauve, Diane McRae, Dorothy Osenga, Ellen Simpson, Endeavors Knife Sales, Espresso Simpatico, Esther Ronne, Francis Moncrief, Ginger Blackmon and the Seward High School, Kerry Romig, Grayline of Alaska, Holiday Inn Express, Ida Murdock, Inn at Tern Lake, J & R Fisheries, Josephine Dudley, Joshua & Matthew Dotomain, Kalani Geronimo, Kathleen Barkley, Kenai Fjords Tours, Maggie Simons, Maggie Wilkins, Major Marine Tours, Melanee Stevens, Miller’s Landing, Millie Johnson, Murphy’s Motel, Nails by Angelina, Nena Butts, One Shot Photography, Pamyua, Petro Marine Services, Progressive Chiropractic, Renown Tours, Salmon Bake Restaurant, Sew’n Bee Cozy, Seward Senior Center, Spenard Builders Supply, Spring Creek Correctional Facility, Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking, Tess Swarz, Tim Anderson, The Family of Margaret Branson, Vanta Shafer and Wells Fargo.
As well, we would like to send a special ‘thank you’ to Pamyua for their performance on February 9th and to all who participated in our events and helped us to raise nearly $7,000 for QNT’s scholarship program. We greatly appreciate the support received from our local community.
If you are interested in obtaining more information about Qutekcak Native Tribe or our scholarship program, please contact our offices at (907) 224-3118, visit our website at www.qutekcak.net or send an email to tribaladmin@qutekcak.net.
May you have warmth in your home, oil in your lamp, and peace in your heart! ~An Eskimo Proverb~
Sincerely,
QNT’s Tribal Council & Staff
The State of Alaska operating budget will be heard via teleconference statewide on Saturday, February 23. The time slot for Seward and several other communities is 10AM to 11:30PM. Participants must be signed in at least 30 prior to the end of the teleconference to participate. I have included the link to the close out budgets by the House Finance Subcommittees.
http://www.legfin.state.ak.us/index.php
Seward Senior Center
336 3rd Ave
224-5604
Monday 2/25
AARP Tax Aide 8-10 & 2-4 By appt only.
Grief Counseling @ 1pm - 1st Floor
Senior Art Show Set-Up 1-4
Tuesday 2/26
Senior Art Show Opening 9-4
Wednesday 2-27
AARP Tax Aide 8-10 & 2-4 By appt only.
Senior Art Show 9-4
Thursday 2-28
Senior Art Show 9-4
Art Show Reception 1pm
Friday 2-29 Leap Day
Fun Day at the Senior Center
Special Activities Planned ~ Music with Noreen & Jennifer
* Line Dancing Demonstration
* Viewing of That’s Entertainment in the new Underground Theatre
Bingo at 12:45
LUNCH EVERYDAY AT NOON!!
[New Info] Seward Highway: at Milepost 21
road open to traffic
Comment: Avalance clearing activities have been completed at Mile 21 Seward Highway. Road open to traffic as of 2:08 PM this afternoon.
[Original] Seward Highway in both directions: from Milepost 9 to Milepost 30
avalanche, confirmed report, route impassable, roadways are completely covered with snow, road blocked because travel is not advised and because the route is closed to through traffic — police are at the scene — until today at about 3:00 PM
Comment: Clean up efforts will began at daylight with expected clearing time around late afternoon.
Information can be found by accessing the Department of Transportation’s website (http://511.alaska.gov/). The Troopers have informed me that crews will be cleaning up the existing avalanche and will be blasting to avoid more. The road should be open around 3:00 p.m.
Please do not drive around or attempt to drive around road barricades. Road crews are working on clearing the avalanche that has closed the Seward Highway at mile 21-22. This will only slow down and hamper the crew’s progress, as well as it is hazardous to all onsite.
Seward Highway: at Milepost 21
road open to traffic
Comment: Avalance clearing activities have been completed at Mile 21 Seward Highway. Road open to traffic as of 2:08 PM this afternoon.
Seward City Council Meeting Agenda
Monday, February 25, 2008
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
-
CITIZENS’ COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
-
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
6. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
A. Proclamations and Awards
1. SPRD Sponsor Appreciation Proclamation
B. Borough Assembly Report
C. City Manager’s Report
. D. Chamber of Commerce Report
E. Seward Planning and Zoning Commission Report
F. School Board Report
G. Library/Museum Report
H. Other Reports, Special Presentations
1. Parks & Recreation Annual Report.
-
NEW BUSINESS
A. Ordinances for Introduction
*1. Ordinance 2008-002, Rescinding Ordinance 2008-001 And Ordinance 2007-010, To Eliminate The Proposed Increase In The Sales Tax Cap From $500 To $1,000, And Retaining A Sales Tax Cap Of $500.
B. Resolutions
*1. Resolution 2008-013, Purchasing Two Fence Pickets For The PARKS Seward Community Playground Project On Behalf Of Seward’s Sister Cities Of Obihiro, Japan, And Kushiro, Japan.
*2. Resolution 2008-014, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Transformer Use Agreement With Chugach Electric Association Inc. For Use Of A Power Transformer.
3. Resolution 2008-015, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Understanding With The State Of Alaska For Planning, Financing, Design, And Construction Of The Spring Creek Correctional Center Expansion Project, And Appropriating $100,000 To Be Reimbursed From Future Bond Proceeds.
C. Other New Business Items
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Sorry, someone jumped the gun when they requested the NOTICE REGARDING APPLICANT FINGERPRINTING information be put in COP Talk.
Before any changes can go into effect, there is an approval process within the city hierarchy that must be followed. So for now, fingerprinting is still free of charge if the applicant provides their own cards. Otherwise, the fee is $10.00 for a set of cards. Fingerprinting service is only available on Fridays between 8am and 4pm at the police department. Sorry for the confusion and any inconvenience.
Questions, comments, tip suggestions;
coptalk@cityofseward.net
Sports & Recreation News:
Girls Basketball Camp coming this summer! Girls don’t miss out! Save the dates! T’Neisha Turner along with her colleagues Robin Smith and Cotelia Bond-Young will be offering a basketball camp for girls ages 9 to 18 this summer. This one week camp will run July 28 to Aug 1, from 8 am to 5 pm at the High School gym. Seward Parks & Rec will be distributing camp registration forms by March 15th. Call 224-4054 for more information.
Breeze Inn Avalanche Spring Classic
Bring your B, C or D squad down for a weekend of fun and competitive basketball! Sat, Mar 1st and Sun, Mar 2nd. Regular fee: $350 Feb 2 – Feb 15; Deadline: $375 by Feb 22 only if space is available. Tourney format will be contingent upon number of entries please call Maggie at Seward Parks and Recreation for information at 224-4054 or email sports@cityofseward.net.
Urbach’s Youth Basketball ½ time games at SHS Seahawk Games
Friday, Feb. 22
Seward Seahawks vs Grace Christian Grizzlies
Girls JV 3:00 pm No UYBL 1/2 time game
Boys JV 4:30 pm Shoreside Petroleum vs J&R Fisheries
Girls V 6:00 pm Seward Plumbing vs Harmon Construction
Boys V 7:30 pm Fish House vs Harmon Construction
Saturday, Feb. 23
Seward Seahawks vs Heritage Christian Eagles
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February 18, 2008 Newsletter
From the desk of
Rep. Paul Seaton
Issue 54
Contact Information
Toll Free :( 800) 665-2689
Fax :( 907) 465-3472
Website: http://www.RepPaulSeaton.com
Email: Rep.Paul.Seaton@Legis.state.ak.us
Greetings from Juneau on this 35th day of the 2008 legislative session. We are enjoying a warming trend that melted much of the accumulated snow and ice on the streets. Tina and I dealt with a small flood in our apartment this last week. A pipe in the apartment above us somehow developed a pinhole within the bathroom wall and was only noticeable when water started creating balloons in the paint of our bathroom wall and water started dripping from behind the medicine cabinet above the sink. At least we did not have to move out. The repairs were accomplished in one day after the midnight emergency shut off of the water to the building.
Things are very busy here with the impetus of the 90 day session. Saturday hearings are still taking place for House and Senate as well as House ‘Open Caucus’ evening meetings on the various gas line proposals.
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This is the first of three constituent meetings for our district. Representative Seaton and Senator Stevens will be available via teleconference for your questions and concerns. The meeting will be held at the Seward LIO at 302 Railway Suite 2 (the old Phoenix Log Office). If you have questions, call the Seward LIO at 224-5066.
